ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners approved an ordinance Tuesday afternoon that aims at cracking down on predatory tow truck drivers.
Officials said in 2013 the county received a spike in complaints from residents and tourists about predatory towing practices. The complaints prompted county leaders to consider an ordinance that would regulate towing companies.
"We've looked at ordinances in other parts of the state, as well as the tow data," said county staffer Susan Caswell.
In July, more than 100 cars were illegally towed from a lot on International Drive during the Gay Days events. Tow truck company owner Jason Combs was later arrested and charged with dozens of counts of grand theft auto.
President of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, Maria Trescari, spoke in support of the towing ordinance at Tuesday's meeting.
"The predatory tow operators were towing cars unnecessarily," said Trescari.
The new ordinance means towing companies must have written permission from lot and property owners before they can tow vehicles. It also mandates the companies to accept credit and debit cards.
Several tow truck drivers attended the commission meeting and spoke out against the ordinance.
"I think there are some things that need to be tweaked in the ordinance," said one tow truck driver.
"Nine out of ten people are going to believe that they shouldn't have been towed," said another tow truck driver.
Officials said the new county ordinance will go into effect in November.
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